If you are from a Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic background, you may face some unique challenges that your peers do not share. Sadly, according to HR Review, 71% of young people from minority ethnic backgrounds in the UK have experienced some form of workplace or labour market discrimination. This can take a serious toll on your mental health as well as making it more challenging to access opportunities.
Fortunately, there are many fantastic organisations out there committed to making the West Midlands a better place to live for all young people and especially those who are from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds.
What’s happening in the West Midlands and across the UK?
The West Midlands is the most ethnically diverse region of the UK outside of London, with almost 40% of residents identifying as being from an ethnicity other than “white British”. This ethnic diversity has increased over the last decade.
This means it is vital that there are services available serving the needs of everyone in the West Midlands’ population of just over 6 million people.
If you are a young person from a minority ethnic background, you might find some of these resources helpful.
Rethink: BAME Mental Health
If you are from a Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic (BAME) background, you may face specific issues relating to your mental health. This hub gives information on your options for support and treatment to help resolve specific issues. This section is for anyone interested in BAME mental health. You may also find this information helpful if you care for someone from a BAME background.
NHS Stepping Up
You can find jobs with the NHS, an inclusive employer in the West Midlands with around 126,000 staff across the region. Stepping Up is a positive action leadership development programme for aspiring Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff who work in Band 5-7 roles. The course typically runs across four or five residential dates.
West Midlands Police: Diversity and Inclusion
The West Midlands Police is undertaking significant positive action to increase representation in its forces in line with the demographic make-up of the region. If you have ever considered a career in policing, you can learn more at the above link and make an inquiry about the first stages of the application process.
Find Support in Your Area
As well as regional and national services, there are also a number of local organisations dedicated to supporting young people from minority ethnic backgrounds. Use this list to find your area and see what services are available to you where you live.
Birmingham
Birmingham Ethnic Education and Advisory Service (BEEAS) is a well established organisation whose purpose is to improve the life chances of some of the most disadvantaged communities in Birmingham. They offer entry-level ESOL classes for anyone wanting to learn English, gain skills, and boost their confidence.
Dudley
The What? Centre supports people from minority ethnic backgrounds up to the age of 25. They offer one-to-one counselling as well as support groups, sexual health services, specific services for LGBTQ+ young people, family work, and more.
Wolverhampton
The Wolverhampton Ethnic Minority Council is a not-for-profit providing support and guidance for all those in minority ethnic communities in Wolverhampton. They can provide support in a range of ways, from developmental guidance and governance through to events planning, marketing, fundraising, and more.
